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"Booting" or "bootstrapping" is the process of starting a computer from a powered-off state by loading the operating system (OS) into the main memory (RAM) so the computer is ready for use. This sequence of operations begins with a firmware called BIOS or UEFI running a Power-On Self-Test (POST) to initialize hardware, and then loads a bootloader to find and start the OS.

The Boot Process Steps

Power On: When you press the power button, the CPU is initialized.

Firmware (BIOS/UEFI): The built-in firmware (BIOS or its modern replacement, UEFI) starts first.

POST (Power-On Self-Test): The firmware performs a self-test to ensure all connected hardware is functioning correctly.

Locate Bootloader: The firmware looks for a bootable device, such as a hard drive, to find the operating system's bootloader.

Load Bootloader: The bootloader program is loaded into the main memory (RAM).

Load OS: The bootloader then starts the operating system, which is the complex software that manages the computer.

System Configuration & User Authentication: The OS loads system configurations and may present a user login screen, preparing the system for use.

Types of Booting

Cold Boot: This is a "hard boot" that starts a computer from a completely powered-off state.

Warm Boot: Also known as a "soft boot" or "restart," this involves reloading the operating system without completely powering down the hardware.